Abstract
This paper analyzes the relations established between foster care policy and youth of vocational training age. We assumed a lack of systematic planning by the foster care policy aimed at young people of vocational training age, with only specific and discontinuous actions. This qualitative and exploratory field research was carried out in seven host institutions in a municipality of Paraíba. Guided by a protocol developed by the authors, the documentary research sought to characterize these young people and their experiences, such as the training accessed. The field diary consisted of reflective, speculative, and descriptive observations. After, the data collected underwent descriptive and content analysis, based on the literature regarding this topic. Results show that, of the 51 young individuals characterized, only 29 accessed vocational training, with prevalence of the Jovem Aprendiz program. Among the major obstacles for insertion in vocational training is the learning discrepancy of these young people, which, added to the professionals’ lack of clarity on what constitutes vocational training, led to insertions in diverse programs, disconnected from a proposal for entry in the labor market. These findings point out the need for investment in foster care policy articulated with a vocational training policy, as to contribute to youth development, and that may collaborate to the construction of life projects and to the insertion in the labor market.
Keywords:
Youth; Foster care policy; Vocational training; Social Policy